Danny K: Motivational Diversity

Keynote speaker, SAMA-winning singer and entrepreneur Danny K delivers unforgettable motivational talks that blend live music and candid storytelling to inspire resilience, reinvention, and purpose-led success.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • SAMA award-winning South African singer and producer with strong cross-generational recognition
    • Professional keynote speaker known for blending motivation with live music performance
    • Co-founder of SHOUT for a Safer South Africa, established in 2007 with Kabelo Mabalane
  • Formats:

    Motivational keynote speaker and live music keynote performer

  • Audience:

    Leadership teams, high-performance organisations, conference audiences, and brands that want an engaging talk on reinvention, resilience, diversity, and sustained relevance.

  • Outcomes:
    1. A practical mindset shift for overcoming self-limiting beliefs and handling rejection
    2. A clear reinvention framework that supports relevance, adaptability, and long-term success
    3. A renewed “pay it forward” perspective that strengthens culture, inclusion, and social impact
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Johannesburg

Keynote Topics

PEARLS OF WISDOM

“Before people hear me deliver a keynote, they’re confused about what I’m speaking about and if I can actually do it! But after five minutes, the audience gets it. It’s almost like a show with a twist!”

“My speaking is another chapter in my performance career. It’s still performance, even though it’s more speaking than singing.”

“There’s a lot about me that people don’t know, which is one of my main motivations for public speaking.”

“Having lived as a public figure for almost 20 years in South Africa, one of the things that I may have communicated poorly is some of the failures and challenges I experienced along the way. My talk provides a voyeuristic look at my life.”

“One of my themes is the common humanity we all share, whether we’re rich or poor, famous or obscure.”

“The art of facing rejection is a big theme.”

“The celebrity currency I have got to spend through SHOUT is a privilege – when you are given the gift of position, fame or money you should give back in South Africa. I am a huge believer in pay-it-forward social entrepreneurship.”

“Whether Danny K is talking to a CEO or the company’s tea lady, my message is that everyone has faced rejection and tragedy and been forced to evolve to be relevant or change when the situation calls for it. My talk is for everyone.”

“My story could be as inspirational as anyone else’s story – the difference is that I sing. My music gives my presentation an edge.”

Talent Short Bio

Danny K, also known as Daniel “Danny K” Koppel, is a South African singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker who brings rare stagecraft to the corporate and conference circuit. Celebrated for a music career that shaped South African pop culture, he now channels that credibility into inspiring keynote addresses that land with both optimistic and skeptical audiences because they are rooted in honesty, self-awareness, and practical lessons.

Danny’s signature keynote is built around reinvention: the realities of rejection, the cost of self-limiting beliefs, and the inner strength required to navigate loss, changing fortunes, and high-performance pressure. What makes his presentations distinctive is how he weaves music and live performance into the talk, creating an immersive experience that connects emotionally while reinforcing the message.

He is also widely recognised as the co-founder of SHOUT for a Safer South Africa, launched in 2007 with Kabelo Mabalane, using music and civic action to promote safer communities and support initiatives such as education and school libraries. This “pay it forward” ethos shows up strongly in his speaking, challenging audiences and organisations to build sustainable success by investing in people, celebrating diversity, and staying relevant through continuous reinvention.

Household name Danny K (real name Danny Koppel) sang his way into South African hearts almost 20 years ago – but there are now audiences around the country surprised to hear the multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer and businessman deliver inspiring keynote addresses.

Best known for his SAMA award-winning hits and the non-profit organisation SHOUT, which he co-founded in 2007, Danny continues to reinvent himself in the public eye, appealing to even the most tough and cynical audiences.

Danny has crafted a disarmingly candid keynote speech that explores the personal and business challenges he has met on the often bumpy road to success. Not shy to show his vulnerability, he is able to inspire virtually anyone to overcome self-limiting beliefs.

What sets him apart as a speaker is the fact that he weaves singing and music into this charismatic presentation. 

Revealing little-known facts about his life, Danny shows how the universal themes of facing rejection and dealing with tragedy apply to everyone, no matter their background and status.

Most importantly, Danny K message reveals that it is necessary to celebrate diversity and to reinvent oneself to stay relevant – a lesson on sustainability that all individuals and businesses can relate to. Sharing the vicissitudes of success,

Danny shows that one needs inner strength to deal with loss and changing fortunes. Perhaps the most important value he shares is the belief that successful South Africans should ‘pay it forward’ and uplift their fellow human beings wherever possible.

Leveraging his highly reputable personal brand, this lovable South African performer brings a captivating combination of dynamism and sincerity to the speaker circuit.

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Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

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